Justices uphold sentences imposed on Victoria man

A Texas appellate court Thursday struck down two appeals made by the same Victoria criminal defendant.

The justices upheld the two 17-year sentences given to Alfredo Perez Jr., 18. He was charged in 2012 with engaging in organized criminal activity.

He was accused and pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit a burglary of a habitation with another individual on Nov. 4. And, on Nov. 23, he acted as a lookout with another man, opening a property with wire cutters to steal, according to Victoria County District Clerk records.

In both appeals, Perez argued his sentence was excessive.

But 13th Court of Appeals Justice Nora L. Longoria wrote that she didn't have to review his appeal because Perez should have brought up this issue earlier either during his sentencing hearing or in a post-trial motion.

Perez's attorney, Chris Iles, said he had not read the ruling as of Thursday.